Family and Friends

Late at night.... In a town full of gangs, with the head of a griffon that attacked me when Nightmare Moon came back from her imprisonment in the moon and I only had that happen after my kid was born and after I went back to my wife and kid I got pulled away by a mandatory vacation where I attempted to put off because family and when on that vacation I was attacked by a gang, twice, helped out by another gang and just.... I had a mare masturbate in my car before getting into her friends van where I was just packed in like sardines with a set of twins, a hacker mare, dickhead stallion, some psycho chick with a magical samurai sword... And in that order it was Izzy, Snitch and Glitch, Overcharge, Stamper and Sythe.... Yeah...Eventful week so far. I sighed as we turned down another side street.... "Why couldnt we have gone back the same way we came?" I asked.

Overcharge sighed... She was sitting in the front.... "Did you already forget the fucking gang member you catapulted to his death after he tried killing you?" She asked. "Its all over the news, the guard chatter on their radios and we're trying to be discrete about this! This is a van full of ponies, late at night, you are in the back with two high school kids with a disembodied head! By all means why dont you get up here and drive us through guard ridden territory General!"

Stamper huffed. "Both of you SHUT UP!" He yelled. "Overcharge I can forgive you for this bitchy attitude of yours but the fucking guard in the back CAN NOT tell me what to fucking do!"

Izzy gave a grunt. "Lay off him! He came to us and we agreed to help!" She said.

"Oh shut the-"

"FINISH THAT SENTENCE AND YOUR BLOOD WILL BE ALL OVER THE DAMNED HOOD!"

The Stallion twin huffed as he leaned up over the back seat where Izzy was as well as Sythe. "Guys, drop it!" He said. "Faster we get this done, faster we get him out of here!" I could hear them collectively sigh... more than likely eye rolling. He looked back to me. "Dont mind him. He's a bit paranoid around guards... His brother was arrested and killed in guard custody yet they cover it up like he wasnt even there. Thinks every guard is gonna be after him and kill him too."

I huffed. "...I'll have someone look into it, if not look into it myself..." I replied in a hushed tone. "Thanks for the assist there... Dont think that would've stopped without someone's head being bashed against a window and no telling who's.... But uh... Which one are you by the way? Glitch or Snitch?"

"Glitch." He replied. "Overcharge might be the hacker but I make tech items, she uses them to her advantage so... we're pretty much a team..." He gestured to his sister who was just looking out the back window. "Snitch? Her name says what she does. She takes note of where things go down, finds the right pony, snitches on them to clients and we go from there..."

"So... Guess every one of you has a specialty in someway.... You make things that Overcharge uses, thinking mostly like to identify targets for your sister to point out... Not sure what Izzy, Sythe or Stamper do yet..."

"Izzy is an info broker, Sythe... She's basically an assassin and Stamper is a smooth talker.... He could talk the pants off anyone even if they arent selling stuff...."

"And those two back at the bar?"

"Hiro is the muscle as well as the other guy there.... We just call him Takedown... His real name is a bit hard to pronounce."

"...Alright then... What can you tell me about this doctor?"

Izzy looked back. "This doctor's a real piece of work. He fixed every one of us up in an emergency." She said. "First time he fixed me up I got into a bar fight with some fuckface that tried spikin' me drink... Guards found his pockets full of drugs and he was all cut up. I just had a bit of glass in my face since he had a friend who surprised me with a bottle upside me head. You can bet he was on the floor before his friend was and he was in more worse condition.... Think I saved several other mares from being date raped that night..."

I heard Overcharge huff. "This doc doesnt ask any questions other than how we got hurt but nothing ever comes of it." She said. "Only thing he does ask is to send anyone his way who needs help but make sure they wont do shit that's gonna put him in danger."

I just sighed and pulled out my phone. "Well... He's good.... You know where he came from?" I asked turning my phone on just to check the time. Going on 2 in the morning.

"Canterlot actually. He doesnt like to talk about his stories with anyone... That's pretty much all we know and I've been digging left and right to find something." Canterlot.... That's one thing that should've tipped me off. But it didnt. "I'd get ready. We're nearly there." I gave a yawn shoving my phone back in my pocket... Just held the backpack close growing a bit nervous being all around everyone... I honestly didnt even know if they were just gonna bring me to my death or what.

Not even about fifteen minutes later we pulled up outside an apartment building. Looked a bit like a luxury apartment building but it looked a tad run down here and there... even some graffiti on the wall. Green Squares. Another gang I assumed. We all walked up as a group. Izzy just next to me, the twins behind me, Sythe at the front and Overcharge and Stamper on either side of me and Izzy. We walked up to the top floor of this four story apartment complex and stopped at a door cleaner than the rest. Maybe a scratch or two here and there but... clean mostly. Sythe knocked and looked back at me. "Say nothing unless spoken to. Understand?" She asked. I nodded.

We waited a moment... I could swear I saw movement through whatever was blocking the small window on it. The door opened and... Well... It was... Celestia's Doctor.... The one who hit me with antibiotics all those years ago.... He looked at everyone... even me... but I felt something... Like he knew who I was without even saying it. "What uh... What's everyone doing here?" He asked. He looked older... I never said what he looked like but... He was a grey unicorn stallion, black mane and a long white doctors coat. Here? His black mane turned silver by time... It was even in a ponytail. "No one looks injured but I heard something went down at the bar... Anyone care to explain?"

Izzy grabbed me by the neck and pulled me down nearly putting me in a headlock. "This fucker right here gave one of the Red Scarf dicks a first class flight a few blocks!" She said. "All the bollocks they give us, they got in one swift toss." The stallion studied me. Almost like he was just.... undressing me and cutting off every appendage... and I mean every appendage.... He sighed.

"Ah... Very well then... Everyone come on in. I was just to sit down for a drink." He smiled and stepped aside. Izzy let go of me and just started walking in with the group... I started to follow but he stopped me just slamming the door with his magic. I quickly backed away. "YOU!" He snapped in a hushed tone. "I fucking remember you CLEAR AS FUCKING DAY!"

I sighed. "And I remember you like it was yesterday... Almost was but uh... can I explain?" I asked.

"Ten. Seconds."

"Okay okay someone found a spell, threw me back in time and you saved my ass and I got sent back by Celestia after pissing her off! What happened to you??"

"I got fired after saving your ass! You may have alerted everyone to Nightmare Moon but I know I should've kept you knocked out of it so the guards could put you into a strait jacket for even being on royal grounds! And when I heard you became GENERAL? I. Fucking. LOST IT!"

"Okay look, I'm sorry! It wasnt my intention to get you fired! If I wanted to I could've said 'Go fire doctor....' uh...." I trailed off.

"Doctor Shunko...." He looked as if he were about to pop a blood vessel.

"....Well... Doctor Shunko... If it were my intention to get you fired I would've had a different way of doing it!"

"Well it fucking happened one way or the other! And guess who's fixing up gang members because his medical license is garbage now because he lost a job healing guards and royalty?!"

"....Alright... Ruined your life.... Again. Not my intention.... I'd ask if there's anything I can do to rectify my mistake but... I feel your answer would be putting a gun to my head, hanging myself, throwing myself off a building or hitting the ground at high speed from a height or even set myself on fire but uh... hate to tell you four of those things happened and I'm still walking. And to hell if I wanna leave my wife, kid and sisters alone after everything we've been through!" The air between us was so tense I swear if you had touched a knife to it it would come undone like a fucking rubber band wrapped around a melon a few times. He huffed.

"...So. I've... Heard.... NOW WHAT DO YOU WANT?" I gave a sigh.

"...When I came to you all those years ago, something attacked me before Nightmare Moon... You thought it was an animal but I know it was a griffon, controlled by Nightmare Moon.... It attacked me, I defended myself and got away with my life! It easily could've killed me before I even got to Canterlot. And if I died, we wouldnt be having this conversation now would we?" He started pacing back and forth.

"So... This... This spell.... It sent you through time?" I gave a nod. "SO WHY DONT YOU USE IT TO FIX WHAT YOU FUCKED UP?!" I dropped the bag and quickly pinned him against the wall.

"I WOULD IF I COULD BUT YOU NEED TO CALM THE FUCK DOWN AND LISTEN THE FUCK UP!" I started panting as I brought him up the wall a bit. "Our paths cross by fate.... Past, present, future alike.... I go and change ANYTHING that I do it could cost something more than that! My family could be dead, your family could be dead too, you could even be dead along with them! And trust me when I say I'd rather we have things the way they are otherwise the entire fucking world could end just because I moved a god damn chair to the back of someones head in the past! Do you get where I'm coming from or do you need to look up where you're gonna go if you dont fucking help me with what needs to be done!"

"Okay okay just put me down! You're still as strong as the day I met you! Just... Just put me down, we can talk! Just- Just dont hurt me please!" I sighed and put him down. I turned around and grabbed the backpack... Almost thought I'd turn back around to him locking me out or pulling a gun on me but he waited.

"Look.... Sorry about that.... Dont wanna hurt you more than I have.... I just.... Its.... Its hard to think of anything but my family at points.... I just had a kid... She's at home with my wife and the family while I'm out here trying to do something to right a wrong I made back then..... Maybe clean one less target on my back and when I say I have a lot of targets on my back... you best believe I do.... I've had a few painted on my back after I got here.... And one that I can take away?.... Better that than anything...."

"And you want me to take it away?"

"No... But you can help." I held up the bag. "...Those ponies in there said you live with a headless griffon.... That was the griffon who attacked me. In this bag? Its something she wants... something she's probably been searching for...." I slung the bag over my shoulder again. "...We can talk more about this inside...." He gave a nod and opened the door...

When we walked in everyone made themselves at home... Glitch and Snitch on the couch, Izzy sitting at a breakfast bar with Stamper while Sythe and Overcharge were just texting away... or at least it looked that way. I went and sat on the couch with the Twins and waited for the Doctor to join me. He went into his kitchen... Started raiding his fridge and started setting out drinks. Beer, whiskey, water and stuff. Izzy immediately went for the whiskey but the doctor slapped her hand and made her grab a beer instead while he took the bottle and just grabbed a few glasses from a cabinet above. I just looked around the room. Bit of a balcony just out the side of the living room area, hall right where the mini bar was and such. Looked to be a few doors down the way. I watched as Sythe came over grabbing a couple waters, tossing two to the twins and giving Overcharge another. Sythe looked to me. "Nearly screwed the pooch here didnt we?" She asked. "I'd ask what happened but 'Charge tapped into your phone and we heard everything.... Soundproofing all around this place so nobody knows what goes on."

"...Yeah... Long story... but.... I'd say get comfy... This might be an interesting talk..." She nodded just as the Doctor came back over with a glass of whiskey in each hand. Handed one to me.... I sniffed at it.... Didnt smell off from whiskey I knew.... I hesitantly sipped it before putting it down on the table. I sighed feeling the warm alcohol slide down my throat. "Alright.... As I said your griffon friend uh... Celadon?" He nodded. "Yeah... Celadon.. She's looking for something she'd been missing since I came to you...."

Doctor Shunko huffed. "...So... What've you got?" He asked. I handed him the backpack.

"I'd put your drink down first... Waste of alcohol otherwise when you shit yourself...." He took a sip... Big one too before putting his drink down. He just lifted up the backpack... Felt the weight of it....

Izzy sighed. "Just open it ya damned pussy!" She snapped. "It's not a bomb... If it was we'd've been dead on arrival... our friend here doenst look like he could make a bomb let alone wire one..." We all just looked at Izzy.... "What? Its true! Wouldnt've said anythin' if you had given me the damned whiskey! Girl needs to feel the burn here!"

Stamper just reached over and smacked Izzy in the back of the head and just pointed to her drink. She just grumbled a bit before going back to her drink. We all turned our attention to Doctor Shunko... He just took a deep breath as he carefully opened the backpack... I just grabbed my drink and sipped it more.... Once he looked inside he lost all color. I set my drink down and gently took the bag from him. He just looked to me and grabbed for his drink... He shook a bit raising it to his lips before downing the rest of what he had.... "....Is... Is that what I think that is?" He asked.

I just huffed giving a nod. "Yep.... Her head...." I replied.

"...I havent thought of the day we'd find it.... and here I was just mere nights ago comforting her of a nightmare she had.... The stallion making her lose her head coming to finish the job.... I told her you were probably long dead from your injuries... hid the fact you became Celestia's top General... she's even had nightmares of the Princess coming to find her and having her executed... She hates herself for what she had done the night she lost her head.... Attacked so many ponies... some dying because her attacks were so bad.... She just... she never thought about watching.... waiting to what would happen... only acted upon orders from Nightmare Moon...."

"...I'm hoping we can give her her head back... and I can just apologize... maybe show her I serve the night as she does but in a different way...." I zipped up my bag. "You know where she is?"

"She's just roaming right now... She likes to take flights during some nights.... Other nights she's taken up jobs from contacts she trusts... I cant call her back because she left her phone here. She did take her whiteboard though just in case she finds someone who needs help." I leaned back in my seat and thought for a moment....

"...So... Its either we wait here for her to return.... or go out and find her some way.... Either that or make her come to us...."

Stamper sighed. "Well Celadon trusts everyone here but you." He said swirling his beer around. "We go roaming around, she might stop, talk to us if she's in a talking mood... You? She'd probably gut you before wanting to talk..."

"Yeah... And I'd rather not have to worry about my body being sent back home in a few different body bags.... Or even in a body bag at all..."

Sythe started pacing drinking her water. "Alright.... So our options are limited and we cant let our client here go and get himself killed...." She said. She quickly snapped her fingers. "That's it!" She looked to me. "We have a 'client' drop a note with Doctor Shunko here.... Gotta make up something though to where she goes somewhere to find you with her head!" I downed the rest of my drink before standing up. Stumbled a bit but Shunko and Glitch kept me upright.

"Good idea but... Someone is gonna have to be there to make sure she doesnt gut me! I'm like... Eighty percent sure she's gonna recognize me and try to finish the job, half of that is with her head back on and there's another twenty percent that does recognize me and she's grateful to have her head back..."

"And half of that being rage induced slaughter because you had her head?" I gave a nod. "....Well... We're gonna need a plan... Something that involves everyone.... We're gonna have to put this off until tomorrow night... longer we stay around here, longer she's gonna think something's shady if she sees us...." She looked to Shunko. "Doctor... You never saw us, you dont know about her head but we will be in contact... Understand?" The Doctor nodded before we all got up. Sythe looked to me. "Lets get you back to your hotel and rest up. Gonna need you tomorrow night. Overcharge will contact you when we have something." I gave a nod just making sure the bag was secure before throwing it over my shoulder. Everyone walked out... All except for me. Doctor Shunko grabbed my arm. He got up and took me down the hall. I shrugged as Overcharge looked to me. We ducked into a side room... Looked like an operating room. He went for a fridge in there and started raiding it after he sat me on the table in there. I waited nervously before he pulled out a bottle. Looked like a small bottle of alcohol that you'd get from liquor stores and they were usually a few bucks.

He read the label and handed it off to me. "Quickly, drink it! All in one go!" He said.

I just looked to him curious. "Uh... Why?" I asked.

"Drink! NOW!" I cracked it open and downed it. Tasted like ass.... Dunno what was in it.... Tasted worse than the shit that made me know someone was in heat.... He sighed as I gave a cough. "Good.... "

"What the hell was in that?!" I coughed a bit more rubbing my burning throat.

"...Something to get you to live. I spiked your alcohol with something that would've killed you but now that you drank that you should pull through albeit with some time with a toilet.... Trust no gas and just in case be ready to vomit.... Dont rightly remember how fast acting it is but uh....." Immediately I felt sick to my stomach. I dropped the bag and just looked around with my hand over my mouth. He quickly grabbed a trash can for me. Didnt take me a second for me to grab it and just hurl right into it.... Burning alcohol and just.... god.... Tasted horrible..... "There.... It might take a day or so to get it all out of your system but keep eating light and do try not to upset your stomach General...." I spat into the can but still held it close. "Look.... Until I saw that head I could swear you were there to kill me or something... and being out numbered? I had to take you out alone.... Little poison in your system but.... That head changes things.... She has been searching for it... You're right... She cant go far outside the city because by the time she does get to where she wants to search its time to hide away. And as of now she's far too busy to search. I only do this doctor job to get money to hire mercs to find her head.... Now I can use that money for better materials and for her.... I care for her you know... Not like a partner... but a daughter.... She's curious, learning and everything.... Luckily by being the creature she is, made of shadows, cant stand the sunlight.... House lights she can handle as well as some minimal exposure to sunlight... She can sit on the balcony if the sun isnt directly shining on her... Most times if she's not working... she sits out... admiring the night... the moon.... She tells me she used to work for Nightmare Moon... regretting what she did....Your work for the Princess show you work both sides.... Night and Day.... Favor of both...." I threw up more into the trash can.... I spat and coughed a bit.

"...Princesses trust me as I do them.... They've aided me in more ways than you could even imagine...." He sighed.

"...I can kind of.... I remember hearing of the attack on Canterlot Castle... There were reports of Celestia being injured.... She was caring for a little filly at the time and... I assume that is someone you know?"

"My baby sister.... She... saw our parents after they were murdered.... I was too late to stop her from seeing them.... nearly too late to save her from the guards taking her.... I was arrested... Kept for two nights on charges of assault on a guard.... Got lucky because the guard who arrested me put me in a headlock... charges were turned on him and he lost his job but thankfully wasnt jailed.... Though for a time I was suicidal... nearly shot myself.... sometimes... Sometimes I wonder if the crazy stuff I do as a guard is a deathwish I have that just one day would take me out because I did this....?" The doctor sighed.

"Maybe but... I'm no psychiatrist.... Perhaps I can tell Celadon she can stay away for the rest of the night... find somewhere to stay until sunset.... Have you stay here because with how fast that medicine acted... I doubt you'd be keeping anything down on the way back to wherever you're staying.... Just.. I would say go to the toilet before you sleep. You can use Celadon's room for the night.... Bathroom is right across the hall and uh... keep the trash can with you.... And if you like I could have one of our.... Associates stay with you to keep tabs on you just so Celadon doesnt seem suspicious in the slightest." I coughed and spat into the can.... God it burned.... Alcohol going down is one thing? Coming back up? FUCK THAT.

"...Please... And... More than likely its gonna be Izzy.... Girl couldnt keep away from me even after having a knife to my neck...."

"...Yeah... She's uh.... A little more than caring... If I do bring her in here and you do anything just... let me know, I'll test you and treat you. She sleeps around quite a bit and I wouldnt want you passing it on to anyone...."

"Got it... keep her at.... at...." I hurled again, no hesitation into the trash can. He sighed and helped me up from the table.

"Yeah... and with you how you are she might agree to be away from you.... Lets just get you in to the bathroom, make sure you're not going to just stink up the place and I'm not letting you wear anything of mine." I gave a weakened nod and walked with him to the bathroom taking the can with me. Made sure I was empty. Bladder, bowels.... Definitely stomach was empty mostly.... After that I was just hearded into a room across the hall with a bottled water, cool to the touch. I sat down on the bed inside.... Claw marks were on the wall, feathers here and there on the floor.... There was even a phone on the desk against the wall.... It was vibrating here and there. The doctor looked at it and sighed. "...She can never get away from gang bullshit..." I set the can down and sipped from the water bottle.... felt so good compared to what I had been through. He looked to me.

"If its from.... some random gang member that fell from the sky.... thank yours truly...." I sipped the water again.

"Huh.... Well then.... Guess that explains all the sirens I heard.... But no... This is different.... gang war brewing.... Green circles and The Bits...."

"Already know the Red Scarf gang.... Safe to say they're afraid of me... The other gangs I dont know...."

"Well hate to burst your bubble but you do know The Bits already. Our friends who you were with. They're part of it. Looked just like a bunch of friends who like going places and causing trouble... but that's what they do.... The Green Circles? Those guys run bars around town. Legit businesses but with everything being a front. Then there are the Blue Squares. These guys run chop shops, auto shops, anything to do with cars. Only time they clash with the others is when someone wants to blame them for shit they didnt do... Now go on, get comfy. Celadon should be here soon. I'll get Izzy and wait for her to come back." I gave a nod and just lied down.... Sleep came quickly.

I was out and comfortable. Fell into a dreamscape and honestly? It was just the bar I was in earlier.... I just sat there looking at the alcohol on the shelf... all marked with 'poison' except for one which was the whiskey I had earlier in the day. I heard a hum as the bottle not marked with poison floated off the shelf. I looked back just to see Princess Luna dressed in some altered UFG fatigues. Night time purple, stars on the patches and what not. She looked to the bottle in her hand and then to the ones on the shelf. "...Something tells me you've been busy since you got there...." She said. "New drinks to be had, the guards in the hotel telling me you left late at night and havent returned yet and even reports of a stallion who died falling from the sky...."

I huffed. "Drinks to celebrate, needed information and that guy had it coming to him...." I replied taking the bottle from her. "Best way I could show how serious i was about this information and that was deal with local gang members who wanted me dead because I ended up beating the shit out of them because they wanted to mug me."

"So you have the information about the headless griffon?"

"More or less. I just... So much fear to go with that... She.... She apparently helps.... Anyone who needs it... She's stopped a suicide attempt from what I've heard... more maybe... But... with the griffon... I wanna hope she's not gonna see me, attack to get her head back, get it and continue to kill me.... Rather would have a chance to talk... Hope I do have the time to talk and explain myself..."

"Yes... I hope as well... So far my sister and I are wondering if we were wrong about sending you there...."

"I'm not gonna lie... got a bit of thought about that.... Was nearly mugged, sent a guy flying to his death, I'm carrying a head of a griffon who was under Nightmare Moon's command who attacked me and wanted me dead because I was wearing Celestian colors and just.... There's a reason those other bottles are poisoned and that one isnt...." I pointed to the bottle that wasnt marked. "This one? Good drink. Warm and sweet." I pointed to the other bottles. "Laced...."

"Are you alright?! Are you getting medical care?"

"Yeah... Luckily from a source that was... unexpected....."

"So... Licensed? Unlicensed?"

"....Yes....? And here's the fucking surprise.... He used to work for Celestia until I came around.... Blames the loss of his work because of me showing up."

"....I'd ask if you're kidding but with the things I've heard so far I believe it...."

"Yeah... And puking your guts out in the wee hours of the morning and you're not drunk hurts like hell...." I just looked to her. "But uh... You mind getting me a bottle when I return? I wont mind sharing if you'd want some Princess." She smiled and sighed.

"Get out of this alive? I shall. Just remember to not kill unless your life is in danger... And with the stallion that fell from the skies? I say it was well deserved.... It was said there was a gun shot before he was found a few blocks away... Security footage from the bar was spotty at best but it did show he was there with a gun before the footage was cut.... Specifically to make everyone except a few stallions cleaning up and talking to a guard who responded disappear...."

"Okay now that was DEFINITELY not me Princess. I'm not stupid enough to screw with evidence like that."

"Nor are you smart enough to cut it out the way it was.... During the cut there was static and some weird emblem before it cut back in.... Seems it was hacked and the hacker left their mark on it...." I sighed.

"Well I feel like I know who that is.... But for right now let me rest.... Got a long time ahead of me.... But I want your word that unless I call for it, nobody is to be touched while I'm here. Please?"

"You have my word General.... But if those who are helping you do anything against the guard, they're fair game. Maybe not by you but to whatever guard they assaulted." I huffed as I got up from the bar stool.

"...And if I didnt need the help for this, each and everyone of these ponies helping me would've had cuffs slapped onto em but since I need their help and they're armed to the teeth... Probably best to have them on my side...." I hugged the Princess. She hugged me back. "....I'd let Shining know I can only accept text updates for the time being. Maybe make up a lie on why I cant talk." Luna sighed just stroking my mane.

"I'll think of something and just let you sleep. Just please stay safe...You're always getting yourself into trouble...." She released me and just watched as she woke me up making things fade with her magic.

When I was waking up I found myself in nothing but my underwear. My clothes were folded up nearby and by the way I felt I felt as if I were running through the orchard in hundred degree heat. Yeah... Sweating like crazy. And in the corner on the floor by the window? Izzy just using her jacket as a pillow. I got out of bed going for my clothes only to see a note. I picked the note up and looked at it.

'General.... Shunko here. I had Izzy get you out of your clothes because I neglected to tell you about how the purge works. Not only from both ends but you end up sweating it out as well. Celadon bought it. I just told her you were poisoned and Izzy brought you to my door. Her friends agreed to go with the story. Make sure you're feeling alright to go back out again. Though I still wanna make sure you're alright after things last night... I do advise you to take a shower and uh... make sure you're all clear. There's money on the counter for you and Izzy to eat something at the diner just next door. I had to leave for a while to make sure I'm well stocked for my next patient. Just wake her up and get her dressed, and well... You dont have to go home but I cant have you staying here. The Patient Privacy I need... Understand? Any questions, you can ask later.'

I sighed grabbing my clothes. Got em on, made sure everything was there, phone, wallet and key to the penthouse. I even went for the backpack and checked inside... head was still inside... and I made sure it was the real one. Took it out of the bag for a sec and exposed it to the sunlight.... Smoke started to emanate from it. I quickly put it away and closed the bag up. Even smelled the air making sure there wasnt a smell. Thankfully there wasnt... though there was a scent of alcohol coming from Izzy. I just kicked her a bit. she snorted and woke up looking up at me. "...Mornin' there Izzy. Up for some breakfast?" I asked.

Izzy huffed as she got up stretching her wings a bit as she grabbed her jacket. "....Fuckin... Couldnt've let me sleep a bit longer?" She asked.

"Nope. Now... You need me to carry you or are you sober enough to walk on your own?" She huffed holding a hand up.

"...Get me to the can an' I'll decide for meself..... " I huffed.

"Got it... You're about to piss yourself...... Feeling sick or is that all?"

"...Woulda been huggin' that porcelain t'rone if I drank more than my fuckin limit.... an' what about you? Big baby need a nappy?"

"No but if you're willing to share we can get out fast and get some food. Doc's paying." She huffed.

"Cant say no to free food.... an' after last night? I swear a bottle of rotgut is needed."

"A bottle of hooch is the last thing we need right now... Speaking of which do you still have that gun on you?" I got her in my arms carefully and started for the door.

"Nah... Stamper took it for his collection. Didnt trust me with it an' I can say for sure he's good to take it... I get a few in me an' I turn into a bit of a psychopath more than you scarin' the shit out of the pancake you left a few streets over from the bar." She opened up the bathroom door and as soon as I set her down she dropped her pants and planted herself on the seat.

"Good... Rather wouldnt have that drop out anywhere and go off hurting someone or scaring the shit out of everyone... Now spread em if you can.... I gotta piss too!" She huffed and just had me piss between her legs.... Even aimed for me just so I didnt get any on her.... Yet she didnt seem to mind getting very close to her snatch with the stream.... Hell if I werent watching her she'd be going for a drink with the way she was looking at it.

After we were done we grabbed the forty bits the doctor had on the counter and went out and downstairs. As we got into the stairwell my phone started ringing. I quickly pulled it from my pocket.... Not much charge left but enough to last until noon if I dont use it that much. But who was calling? Applejack.... I huffed and just gave Izzy a hand signal to keep quiet. Hopefully she understood. I slid my thumb across the screen and put it up to my ear as we turned each corner to go down more stairs. I heard a yawn through the phone... And a little bit of crying in the background. "Dangit Ry.... Dont even call last night... just... pick up please..... Lemme know you're alright...." I heard Applejack say. I huffed.

"Applejack? Is everything good over there?" She gasped.

"Sugarcube! Oh thank Celestia you answered! I was waitin for a call and you just didnt and I... I just..."

"....Did you stay up most of the night waiting?" She sighed. "Applejack.... You really need to get your rest.... I'm alright... Just a bit tired is all... Couldnt sleep, watched some TV until I passed out.... Heading to get some food now..."

"....Good just... Please call me or Shinin'... Let us know what's goin' on and where ya are please!""

"I will AJ... Now please just go give Mash some breakfast and get back to bed for a little while. Have Mac or Cadence wake you up in a few hours and I'll be sure to call you before bed tonight."

"I uh... A-Alright sugarcube... Maybe give Scoot a call or a text later too, make sure she knows you're alright."

"Okay. Love ya baby."

"Love you too Ry... I'll give Mash a kiss for ya. Talk with ya later." I hung up giving a sigh.

Izzy looked over at me as we hit the ground floor. "Awww well look at ya. Bein' a good husband and a grand father for your foal bein' all the way out here in the middle of gang infested cities with some fuckin' prized possession of some terror of the night so folks say." She said. I huffed.

"....Ah quiet... I dont like this as much as you think...." We walked out a gate together... The morning sun burned our eyes. "...I only left because I had to for this.... Kid isnt even a month old, we just had our house rebuilt and as much as I'd like to be there for my family, I'd rather not be found strewn across the orchard with some shadowy griffon hiding in the trees covered in my blood scaring the shit out of my wife, brother in law and my sister.... She's seen too much blood already...."

"She has? How old is this filly? The fuck has she been doin' to see all that blood?"

"She was just living her life. Came home one day, mom and dad were murdered, I leave for the war, she accidentally shoots someone because she had to be hidden away and didnt know it was over until she pulled the trigger. She even witnessed the damn building go down in Manehattan during the attack there... If I werent a pegasus or a guard I would've went down with it.... But nope... Busted out the window and flew out narrowly having rubble crush me and my wifes cousin to death."

"...Wait you're sayin' you were in Manehattan when all that shit went down over there? Fuckin' hell you're a god damned mad man!"

"I might be crazy but seriously.... The shit my sister has seen.... It surprises me that she isnt in a nuthouse because of all things...."

"Girl's stronger than some of the ones I've seen around the city. Dont know how many have had who they were with murdered to protect them from getting mugged or raped... Next thing you know they're on the edge of buildings, bridges, hung up by their necks or found somewhere bleedin' out..."

"Sad to hear.... Lots of victims blame themselves for someone else getting injured.... How I felt for a bit too after my parents were murdered.... that and the manehattan attack... Wish I could've done more but yeah..." We walked down a bit to the diner. Entered and just sat down and ate. Just chatted about things.... Saw maybe a few gang members in there but they just sat in a booth enjoying their meal. Even paid and left us alone. Yeah.... Probably being paid to protect this place and the money they get is going back into the business. Dunno. After that we paid and just went and tried to find a way back to the hotel. Ended up just waiting in a park while Izzy called someone to give us a ride back to our places.

Once I was dropped off I went up, set the bag down and just relaxed for a good portion of the day.... Only fell asleep a little while in the afternoon to get ready for tonight. Woke up around nineish because of a guard waking me up. And yeah... All because of Applejack. I guess Shining sent word over to make sure I did and remind me to do so.... wouldnt doubt it. I got up and just immediately started calling Applejack as I went and got dressed. Changed out of what I was wearing into something more easy to move in. The phone clicked as I was just pulling my shirt over my head. "There you are! Evenin' Sugarcube!" AJ said happily. "You alright from this mornin?"

"I'm fine." I replied. "Just about to head out for a walk here. Hows the family?"

"Uncle Orange dropped Babs off to spend time with the girls and she is just happy to be helpin' Cadence take care of our baby girl..."

"That's adorable! Oh I wish I was there. She still there?"

"Yeah... Girl's are upstairs enjoying their new little sleepover area together. Even invited Sweetie Belle over and just.... Lordy lordy Rarity cant do nothin' but make clothes for Mash.... You know what she did? She brought a dozen little onsies all made up like little guard clothes, overalls and- Get this.... Replicas of Celestia's and Luna's royal gowns... And trust me... She got permission... how? Aint a clue!"

"That's great. Dont wanna disturb their time together... Maybe call me in the morning once the girls wake up. Now I gotta get going... faster I take this walk, sooner I can get some sleep...."

"Aww alright.... Just get on with it. Night sugarcube. Love you!"

"Love you too AJ.... Night." I hung up and sighed. Grabbed the bag, put my mane up in a hair tie and headed out grabbing the backpack on the way out the door. I went through the garage just to see the van with Stamper standing outside of it with Izzy just flying around like Scootaloo when she's bored.

Stamper huffed. "Took your sweet time huh? C'mon we're burning moonlight here!" He said. I gave a huff as Izzy landed.

"Sorry I needed to not wear the same shit I've been wearing since I got into town and that the wife called!"

Stamper stepped forward a bit before Izzy grabbed his arm. "Oh no you dont! You saw what happened last night!" She snapped. "Just get in the car and shut your yap before Ryder here has two halves of ya on buildin's on separate ends of town!" Stamper groaned slightly before giving me the 'not even worth it' look... like he was gonna do anything. Izzy looked to me. "We're heading for the bar. Hiro and Overcharge have some plans but we need your input..."

"And maybe while I hear em I can get some food too... Havent had much since breakfast...." Both Izzy and I loaded into the back seat. Felt comfy and rightfully so because I wasnt crammed in between anyone and I actually was in a sitting position. Anyhow we got to the bar and the same guy was out there handing out coupons and such. We went inside and went for one of the tables nearest to the corner booth where Glitch, Snitch, Overcharge and Sythe sat. Hiro was just with them hanging out. Izzy flew up and sat in between Hiro and Sythe. She looked to Hiro as I brought a seat up for myself and just as Stamper took his seat in the booth.

"Hiro. Give our friend somethin' to eat. Gotta have him in tip top shape for what we're plannin'."

Hiro huffed. "Couldnt have called ahead?" He asked her ticked. She shook her head. He huffed. "Fine.... Fastest thing we got I can bring out is some soup..."

I looked to him. "Bring it. Maybe a grilled cheese or something if you can." I said. He nodded before heading over to the kitchen before I looked back to the group. "Alright... What's the plan?"

Overcharge fiddled with her phone before laying it down on the table. "Alright. Doctor Shunko, we're all here." She said.

I heard the phone crackle a little before hearing a sigh. "Alright... Good... Right now I have Celadon out running errands." We heard Shunko say. "Mainly picking up some stuff I've already paid for and stuff that I need for patients in the future. Upon her return I'm giving her a letter that Sythe has written to meet a contact somewhere to talk about something going on with a local gang... and considering what happened with a Red Scarf, we're making up stories about psychoactive drugs causing them to go crazy and kill themselves... Would give story to a stallion falling from the sky some credit and with three to five story buildings around where he fell? Very plausible... not going for the other doctors with the autopsy report but it will work for her."

"Time frame?"

"Within the hour or so. She works fast."

"Anything we'd have to worry about?"

"Nothing we havent calculated for. Gang activity is more higher than the area we've picked for the meet and we've got your friends there watching out for you. We're hoping this goes over smoothly but if things do go awry they'll step in and try to defuse the situation."

"Well... Considering where I stand with most of them I'd hope so... And considering I've nearly died a few times after getting here.... I'd rather have anyone on my side than nobody.... even WITH my line of work..."

"Good ideology to have even though having certain friends could very well get you fired. These friends? Could go either way depending on how you treat them but the most they do is to protect their friends. Me? I had a chance to do you in but... Hippocratic oath you see." I huffed.

"Didnt stop you from trying.... Glad you at least helped out when you knew what I was wanting to do this...."

"Yeah... Just prepare yourself. Everyone will have lines to each other and you. Not sure if you've looked at your phone but Overcharge has given you a hidden feature to contact any of us. Group chat in a network completely hidden from anyone toying with your device. Say you lose it, nobody gets into it. Only you will have the credentials to enter it. She'll contact you once this is done and give you the credentials. Now I gotta get things ready. Our 'client' awaits." The phone beeped a bit before going silent. Overcharge took her phone back. I looked to her.

"Alright... Food first and then we get going... hopefully not throwing a wrench in the plans." They all gave a nod and not long later I got my food. Scarfed the sandwich, drank the soup and jeez that was an idea... bad? Might be. Burned a bit but we immediately got to work here. We all left, piled into the van and this time I sat between Sythe and Overcharge with the backpack between my legs... I just had my phone in my hand and just was fooling around with the app that.... Well... That was something.... Chat feature, code names that were.... honestly easy to figure out who was who on their with the names they had.... I was 'The Force'.... I guess it was because I was part of 'The Force'.... and that's what I can do to assholes who cant take no for an answer..... Take that idiot who tried mugging me... TWICE.... I forced him to take no for an answer. AND HE PAID FOR IT WITH HIS FUCKING LIFE! But yeah... This app had the chat, there were little things you could do.... Challenge others to games if you wanted to.... Overcharge had the high scores.... And no. She doesnt cheat... that I know of. And there's even a map that include safe houses that are nearby just in case. Even checked around Ponyville and just... There's a few and I'm surprised.... It does include the Canterlot Carrots in town there.

Sythe looked to me. "You good General?" She asked. I just shrugged closing the app and just looking at the background screen of my phone with AJ on it.... "You'll get to go back and see her... We'll make sure of it...." I sighed.

"Its not just that... I just had a kid and.... I just feel like a shitty father because she's not even a month old.... The wife has help but... I just... I just wish I was there...."

"Well... Think of it this way... You've got her whole life to watch her grow up... Kids arent my thing but just... You've got this. Scary? Yeah... But you've faced scarier things and walked away. I mean... Manehattan? You're fucking insane! Anyone who walks away from that is a legend. Hell, Overcharge even looked up some of the other shit you've been involved in? Just... I cant say I've met anyone who's walked away from a plane crash and lived to tell the tale. Your kid wont have to worry about that. Will you be worried for their safety? Yeah... But you're a god damn General and anyone who messes with you gets to fly, wings or not!"

"And I'd like to try to keep it to where the only ones flying are the ones with wings.... But... Guess I gotta do what I can..."

Overcharge looked back. "We're nearly to the location. Get ready." She said. "General, you're gonna get onto the roof. Izzy and Snitch will be up there in the shadows with you being ready. We'll be in touch with either of them and rush up if things turn south. If we cant get up there right away, defend yourself and try to reason with Celadon before she kills you or at least tries to..." I huffed.

"Should've asked Hiro for some liquid courage with my meal...." I looked out to the streets. Cars were sitting at the curbs, some in alleys and even saw some encampments for the homeless.... Not long later we parked in an alley way. Izzy, Snitch and I flew up while the others stayed down. We landed on the roof of the building we were parked next to. We landed and there was just.... I felt weird standing on a roof top, bag with a head in it and two gang members hidden behind air conditioning units and high walls blocking off access to anyone wanting to jump.... I leaned against one of em, hands in my pockets, bag at my feet.

As I waited it just.... I felt the eyes crawling on my back again. She was near. I just acted natural just seeing her fly over, her ghostly screech ringing my ears. She circled before landing, shadowy smoke cushioning her landing.... She was wearing a tight motorcycle suit. And when I say tight... I mean it left nothing to the imagination.... I... I think i'm gonna call Gilda for a quickie when I get home.... Maybe get her to wear something like this with some.... easy access holes... But anyways... Other than the suit she wore a motorbike helmet.... Red, weird symbol on the side... nothing i recognized... She reached into an unzipped part of her suit around her breasts... I tensed up a bit thinking she was gonna pull a gun recognizing me immediately. Not that... thankfully. It was her phone. She was typing on it for a moment before it spoke for her. "You there. You're the client I was told about arent you?" Her phone said in a... near robotic mare's voice.... I swallowed.

"Yeah... Needed to speak with you personally...." I said. I picked up the bag in one hand and just stepped forward from the wall looking up to the sky. "....You ever just... look up at the night sky? Admire its beauty and just wonder what's changed over the years?" She typed again... Didnt look at her... only heard the clicking of her phone.

"Always.... It just.... Its a comforting sight... What annoys me is the way the sun comes up to ruin it...." I huffed.

"Yeah... I thought you'd say that... considering your origin...." More clicking.

"And what do you know about me? I've never seen you before!" I looked to her. Swallowed a lump in my throat.

"...Yeah... Yeah you have.... Years ago.... You attacked me for not 'bending my knee' to Nightmare Moon.... You attacked and didnt let me explain that I did enjoy the night.... I defended myself and hurt you.... Its my duty as a guard to protect myself no matter what but.... I just.... I'm just glad you're listening to me rather than attacking me.... I dont wanna hurt you or anyone any longer.... I've already hurt a few and killed once.... Pretty sure you've seen it possibly...." There was a moment of silence with her. Like she was staring at me. She typed on her phone again.

"I did see that... dead gang member.... Gunshots reported at Canterlot Carrots and then that guy falling from the sky a little while later.... But.... I.... Can I ask something?"

"Go ahead. Ask anything you want. I'm but an open book to you."

"How are you still alive? I should've killed you all those years ago!"

"...Well... I guess we have a friend in common that helped us in our time of need no matter what.... Doctor Shunko helped me when he used to work for the Princess before her sister returned to reign an eternal night.... He helped me back to health... or what I can say was health at the time... I should've been dead.... lost a lot of blood.... Yet he helped save my life. I thanked him the other night.... He was mad because I cost him his job but.... He figured because I was here to help he well... Kinda saved me a second time...."

"....The patient he had use my room the other night?" I nodded. "He is a good doctor... helps anyone and everyone no questions asked.... But what have you come here to help with?" I sighed sitting down and just setting the backpack in front of her gesturing to it. She released her phone and a smokey tendril reached from her hand holding it up while she went for the bag hesitantly. I watched as she carefully unzipped it and reached inside.... She was.... Scared at first... then surprised.... no emotion to see but I could tell by her movement.... But when she picked her head up out of the bag.... She froze.... I took the phone from her tendril and set it down gently... the tendril didnt even fight back..... I gestured to her head.

"May I?" She handed me her head.... I took it in my hand and hesitantly took off her helmet.... Shadowy smoke came from her neck. I turned the head so it faced me.... I hesitated for a moment but sighed. "....I dont know what memories lie in this head.... But I do urge you to hold back any rage you feel towards me.... Any hate for the sun.... I serve both sun and moon.... Each sister has their own thing.... The night is beautiful yes... But the sunrises and sunsets are something beautiful that greet the night and lay it to rest, only to greet it the next time they meet...." I set the head on her shoulders..... The smoke grew a bit but slowly stopped. After a moment I heard her breathing..... She coughed and a bit hard.... "Easy there..... It might be a bit dusty.... there might be some dirt left over from where we found it.... You able to open your eyes at all?" I could see her eyes struggle to open like she were fighting sleep. And once she was able to breathe and see.... She cried..... She cried and hugged me.... I hugged her back. "There we are..... just go on... let it all out Celadon.... I'm here for you...." I looked off at Izzy who was just peeking around from the AC unit nearby. I motioned to her for a drink. She nodded and flew up and out. Kinda startled Celadon a bit but I just held her close. "No worries.... That's a friend.... She's gonna get you something to drink... Not sure if you eat or need to but.... Something to drink could help you here...."

"I.... I cant believe it.... I... My head.... its back...." She said in a wheezy voice. I shushed her.

"Easy... Dont speak.... At least not yet.... You good to stand?" She nodded a bit. I grabbed her phone and her helmet before we stood up. I looked over. "Snitch, we're getting off the roof. Lets go." Snitch quickly flew up just as we did... I kinda had to carry Celadon... Didnt wanna have her wings intertwine with mine or crash because her tears were fogging up her vision... She held on to her stuff as we went down to the ground.... We landed by the van and everyone was already there... Everyone but Izzy and Snitch. I sat Celadon in the van and just huffed leaning on it. Stamper was alright with it but he was slightly annoyed. Not fully but just enough so you could tell.

Overcharge came to my side. "Hey Cel... How you feeling?" She asked. I huffed as Celadon hacked and coughed more.

"Happy to have her head back it seems... Got Izzy making a drink run and hopefully she brings something good...."

"And enough for the rest of us.... We were expecting screaming and some blood....." I looked to Celadon.

"Well... Only one of us was screaming but it was the good kind of screaming...." I looked back to Overcharge. "You wait here. I need to make a call." She nodded. I walked out of the alley, letting everyone see Celadon. Grabbed my phone and started a call up to Luna.

I put my phone to my ear just as Izzy was running back with a bag with some drinks and a six pack. She ducked into the alley just as the phone clicked. "Ah General. Strange for you to be calling at this time but... Fitting considering your night life lately.... Calling for an update?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am. Package dropped off, no blood spilled though... With what she is.... I think.... I honestly think she definitely regrets working for nightmare moon.... She listened, she talked with me.... And the way she cried after I gave her her head back.... It just... like a child who hasnt seen a good friend for years.... Like..."

"Like how Scootaloo would've been if you hadnt come home the way you did?"

"Yeah.... she was happy.... She's got friends... a surrogate family of a kind...."

"She has adapted well considering her origin.... This will be strange but... I wish to meet her..."

"I uh... I might advise against that... Her friends nearly killed me when they found out I was a guard but... How they'll think if a Princess comes around? I'm not sure...."

"General. I want to meet the griffon. Her friends can be around but you will have them unarmed and calm around me and my guards. You can either let them know or keep it a secret. I'll be meeting you in the hotel sometime during the day." I caught some movement out of the corner of my eye.... That and the sounds of yelling from both ways on the street. I glanced down one way. Red Scarves moving in... only could tell by the majority of them under the street lights. Same with the other way.

"Princess.... I'll be there but uh... I need to handle some business first.... Self defense you see... and its gonna require maybe a little help from our friend and my hidden weaponry...."

"Try not to cause as much damage and please... Contact me when you're done so I know you're alright...."

"Will do. General, out." I hung up my phone and looked to the alley. "Celadon! Gonna need your help out here!" I saw everyone come from the alley, even Celadon with them... Each member of the small gang looked up and down the street.

Sythe huffed as she made her Katana appear. "DAMMIT! I thought we were hidden!" She said just as everyone else drew their weapons.

Celadon came to my side making that shadow sword appear. I grabbed my hammer and just huffed as I went back to back with Celadon. "Well.... Seems these guys never learn...." She said. "Must've had someone tailing me from my last job.... Well then... Now they get to see why following me is a bad idea...."

I gave a chuckle giving a whistle and almost out of nowhere Schrivechnya appeared giving a demonic howl. "And they'll see why I'm probably the one they'd really think twice about fucking with me and my friends.... Some from low places...." I said giving a glance to the mange ridden dog beside us. We waited for a moment before I whistled and Schrivechnya shot off like a fucking rocket towards the gang I was facing. I chased her down and the gang came at me with blades and chains... Yeah.... none of them had guns.... Some had machete, some just had some combat knives and even some home made bullshit with sawblades. The first guy who rushed me got launched back into a few others. Another guy just got the hammer over the head and I picked up the blade he had before launching it at a group stabbing one right in the head. The others were ready to rush me before Schrivechnya jumped one of them and chewed out his neck.That's when I put my hammer away, grabbing two more blades before rushing them and just impaling them on both lifting them into the air before dumping them. I turned around just as another guy was rushing me but he stopped dead in his tracks before being swallowed by shadows. Behind him? Celadon, her eyes white as the moon was bright. I quickly drew my hammer once more and jumped up throwing it behind her smashing another gang member ready to attack her. I landed and huffed just looking around us.... Bodies lied scattered. Bleeding, broken, some still breathing but too hurt to do anything. I walked past Celadon and grabbed my hammer. I put it on my back and it disappeared leaving all the blood on it falling to the floor. I looked to Celadon. "You good?" Celadon nodded breathing a tad heavily.

"Yeah.... Had to get something from one of them... Guess they didnt take it sitting down that they lost something that was more valuable to the one they originally stole it from.... They must not respect death the way they dish it out...." Schrivechnya came up wagging her tail giving a playful bark. I sighed looking at the blood covered dog.

"Good girl! You coming to say hi?" Celadon smiled as she pet the demon dog.

"Aww thank you for helping us puppy!" I sighed.

"Celadon... I uh....." The griffon sighed as she stood up watching as Schrivechnya turned and ran off towards an alley way.

"Its okay... I forgive you for everything.... We should probably get out of here... Guards might be coming soon." I huffed looking down at myself. Covered in blood again.... Thankfully none of it was mine... again.... I looked to Celadon.

"You know anywhere I can go to clean up? Not gonna want to use a hose to clean myself up again...." She nodded and started down the street giving me a sign to follow. We flew up leaving the others to scatter to the wind as they left the van behind. I followed Celadon back to Doctor Shunko's apartment. We climbed in through the window into the room where she went and surprised the doctor with a hug. He was surprised she had her head but loved it anyways... And.... asked the doctor to clean me up...

I cleaned up, had to text Uncle Orange to have someone deliver new clothes.... And yeah.... already heard about my goings on from my father but what he heard sounded like a comic book than anything... He had the clothes delivered, I slept there, went back in the morning and just.... Celadon was so excited yet so nervous to step out during the day. She had a cloak and mask on to keep her protected but... I told her there was someone she needed to meet. By the time we got back to the hotel, guards were somewhat swarming the place. We had to have Stamper and the gang with us since they had to drive us from Shunko's apartment to the hotel. Before we even got to the elevator in the garage we were all patted down for weapons. Even me. I had to have Celadon go in the shade to get patted down. When we were all patted down and they had their weapons stripped of them we went for the elevator. Just before we entered the elevator Izzy grabbed my shoulder. "Now why the hell am I bein' felt up by your guards when it was just Celadon they want?" She asked. I had to take Celadon's hand as she went and hugged me scared. I huffed.

"Look.... This is an opportunity for everyone.... Yeah, you guys dont have weapons but they're not gonna hurt you or arrest you. If they do, its because you did something here today."

"Now just who are we meetin'?"

I looked to Overcharge. Everyone else did as well. She was just tapping away at her phone. "...This many guards means there might be a princess around..." She said. "Kinda common knowledge...."

Everyone looked to me just as I smiled. "Bingo. Princess Luna is here. She wants to meet Celadon here.... You guys are welcome to come up. Give some support to our friend." I said hugging Celadon.

"And how do we know this isnt a trap?"

"You'd know. If it wasnt having the guards pat you down and just confiscate your weapons and not arrest you all, you could trace phone calls, see transcripts of said calls and you'd've been able to say no." Overcharge looked to me and huffed.

"...fair enough.... Lets just... get this over with... With all these guards around I'm not liking this..." I gave a nod and just let everyone pile in to the elevator before Celadon and I went in. I never really noticed this but.... Celadon was just a little shorter than me. Maybe about half a foot in difference. She just stayed close to me as I put the code in to go straight to the penthouse. Covered the pinpad up the best I could. As we started going up I looked to Celadon.

"Cel? You good? Talk to me."

Celadon shuttered a bit. "...I'm.... I'm scared.... The... Emp- I mean... Princess.... She.... She hasnt seen me since she created me...." She said. "...I... I dont wanna be destroyed.... I... I have all my friends..." I sighed holding her close.

"...If that's a thought in her head, I wont let her.... You do so much for the city... Protecting seems part of it... Maybe I can talk for a spot in the guard for you... Maybe...."

Izzy huffed. "She'd be as good as a guard as I am when I'm drunk." She said. I didnt even look at her. Just heard someone slap her in the back of the head. I just huffed and shook my head waiting as we went up.

"Before we get up there I want it clear. Arms will be crossed in front of you, no sudden movements and stay with everyone. You will be patted down again once we get into the penthouse and before you go out making sure you wont have anything from inside with you. Have I made myself clear?"

They all agreed out loud. Maybe not even a minute later we reached the top. I stepped out with everyone. Had guards ready outside the door patting everyone down, even me again as we came into the penthouse. There were at least two guards at every post. On the couch? Princess Luna. As we all entered we gave a bow in respect to her. As we rose she sighed. "My my General.... Made yourself a little entourage havent we?" She asked. "Why dont you introduce everyone?" I gave a nod just turning about to point to who each was.

"Izzy, Stamper, Overcharge, Glitch, Snitch, Sythe and this right here..." I turned holding Celadon's shoulders. "This right here is Celadon... She's our mutual friend we know about...." Celadon whimpered a bit before hiding her face in my chest. Luna sighed.

"....I had a feeling she'd be like this.... Miss Celadon? Please.... Be not afraid of me... I'm intimidating yes but I mean you no harm.... I have a gift in fact." I looked to Celadon as she cowered into my chest.... I could see the tears streaming down her face.

"...Celadon its okay.... You want me with you? I can be there at your side if we can get closer..." She just whimpered.... not responding in any way.

"Celadon.... You might be a creation of my evil side.... I understand that.... You've obviously seen the error of your ways since your creation.... You're scared and I see that.... That stallion you're hugging? He's scared too.... He didnt want to be away from his family.... away from his young daughter, barely even a week old.... Ever since he became a guard all he knows is fear.... fear of losing his family.... fear of his family losing him.... same with his friends and vice versa.... What are you scared of other than me? If its my guards, I can send them away... If its me, tell me and I will do what I can to make myself scarce.... if its your demise.... there's nothing to worry about... I would never think of taking a life unless my own were in danger.... Everyone here could try something... but they know not to and my General? He wouldnt hesitate to protect me no matter what."

Izzy swallowed a bit. "Uh... Permission to speak?" She asked. Luna gave a nod. "...I'd say before I met this stallion, at a distance I'd be callin' him all sortsa things ranging from the common names like dickhead, jackass and maybe go to the things that... I'd rather not say in front of a Princess but uh.... After the shit I've seen he'd go a hell of a lot farther to make new friends and protect them the same way as if he'd known them for years.... Only wish me mother would've seen it that way but... too late for her now..." Luna gave a slight smile.

"That.... That right there.... I sense some regret.... there's everything we regret.... me? I have mine.... my biggest one? Attacking my sister wanting a longer night time.... even creating an army to help me do so.... But you Celadon.... You've had your regret for working for me... and defying orders on helping to create an eternal night at my side.... You've turned yourself from fighter for the night to Fighter OF the night.... The stories i've heard from guards in the area? They made it sound like rumors or what have you.... Gang members turning up dead, some with no blood, others with limbs missing, cut precisely. Surgically even... And after my General returned your head he did say he had to do something... I assume that something was defending himself from gang members and it does seem he had help from both you and... something else which he really shouldnt use unless needed but... I'll let it slide at this point...." I kinda blushed a bit. "....The point I'm getting at here Celadon is that you've done a lot of good to redeem yourself from the atrocities you were made for...."

I looked down at Celadon.... her whimpering stopped but she looked like she was just fighting sleep..... I sighed picking her up. Hesitantly I stepped forward... She didnt even react. I went over to the Princess and just handed her to her. "Seems someone's been up for a while...." I said. "Just.... Do what you're gonna do but please... be easy...." She nodded and used her magic on Celadon... There was a quick flash and just a little spark that just flew in a few loops before disappearing. She sighed.

"There.... Still a magical entity.... yet now? The sun will no longer hurt her.... She can act normal as anyone else.... Sure she might have to change clothing but she can fit in with just about anyone..." She looked to the group behind me. "...I think as for thanks for helping my General with this, consider any past actions forgiven. Anything beyond this point, you will be held accountable. Are we understood?"

I sat down on the couch next to the Princess. Everyone was silent.... Shocked for the most part. Stamper huffed. "....Princess... I think I speak for all of us and thank you for this....." He said. "Your General.... He's definitely a brave one. A bit of a nuisance but... Bearable in some areas...."

"I can agree he's brave.... He's done things you couldnt possibly have imagined.... In recent years I can say he's survived more close calls than all of you." Stamper looked to me.

"He has?" I gave a nod. "Maybe you can tell us later for a drink at the bar? I'm buying!"

I gave a smile. "Sure thing. Just uh... Be ready for something.... I'm gonna start off with something that introduced me to this city in general and the Princess knows more about that than she'd like to.... I'll give a hint that there were a lot of dead that night.... I'll only give details I know I can give out but... Hiro would really like to know what happened that night." They all smiled and left one by one. "Oh and if someone can? Let Doctor Shunko know Celadon will be back tonight." Izzy gave a nod and a thumbs up before they left the room. I turned my attention to Celadon giving a sigh. "....I'm honestly hoping she didnt pass out from fear or if this is just her being tired...." I got up and carefully picked her up off of Luna... She was kinda heavy with her armor and such... The armor was kind of a light armor but still tough enough to take blows. Luna had to follow me upstairs to help me get it off her... Even gave her a shirt to wear and had to uh... diaper her up just in case... and yeah... she does have boobs and a pussy... if she can use them, its a mystery.... But yeah... later that night we went back to the bar, I told my story and I swear Izzy was going to puke when I told everyone about the guy who's heart I ripped out. Just told em I had friends helping me track down my sister and her friends and that Hiro met one of em while I tried to get my mind off it. Told em about Manehattan, the Plane Crash, my wedding and good fucking LORD was I a bit sloshed before being brought back to the hotel.... a few Guards had to carry me in.... When I went home a few days later I did get grilled by Applejack seeing reports on the news about gang members falling from the sky and a 'massacre of gang members' as well. Didnt lie but told her it was self defense. She did say she was worried about some of em coming our way but I told her if they did, they better have something soft to land on by the road or wings to fly the fuck out of here with their shit intact. But holy shit was it the best feeling coming home, hanging out with the boys for another day before having to spend time with my daughter..... It was a good feeling... despite being made to change a few dirty diapers...Eh... Until next time I guess?